Pyrite, Scheelite and Quartz

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A trio of bright Pyrite crystals and numerous, small, orange Scheelite crystals are perched on a matrix of translucent, milky Quartz crystals from old finds at the Huanzala Mine in Peru. The three splendent and super-sharp Pyrite crystals are lightly striated and each one is just slightly modified by octahedral faces. The largest crystal measures 3.4 cm across and the two larger crystals have just a hint of tarnish on a few of the faces. The fascinating aspect of this piece are the orange to honey colored crystals of Scheelite that are aeesthetically scattered about the entire piece. They range in size from 1.5 to 4 mm and are perfectly formed, transparent to translucent pseudo-octahedrons. They are found isolated on the Quartz crystals and as small clusters on, or at the interstices, of the Quartz. Scheelite is a rare occurrence at Huanzala and only a limited number of good pieces like this have ever been available. The Quartz crystals make an ideal color and textural contrast for the Pyrite and Scheelite as they are milky translucent with good luster and vary from 1 to 3 cm in length. Most diverge upward and a few doubly terminated lay across the top of the others to add to the great overall composition of the piece. This was from a single rare pocket in 2019!